Other zoo patrons reported the unidentified woman, who was also heard singing to the animals, Memphis TV station WMC reported.

A second wire fence still separated her from the lions, but zoo officials said the woman's behavior was dangerous for her and the lions.

"Luckily the lions were spooked," zoo spokeswoman Abbey Dane told the Commercial Appeal newspaper. "She was not ever in the exhibit with the lions. Zoo staff was called immediately and she has been banned from the zoo indefinitely."